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FacebookTop 10: Reasons Why Youth Are An Asset to Your Organization
by Apathy is Boring — November 4, 2011
1. We are the future
Passing the torch from one generation to the next has always been a looming inevitability. But the yawning leadership gap opening up as more and more Baby Boomers eye retirement presents nonprofits with a more pressing challenge than ever. You can either share knowledge and leadership skills now, helping us pave the road we wish to travel, or you can leave your organization to the history books. It's up to you, but we'll probably do a better job.
2. We are passionate
Surveys show that cynicism increases with age, and that youth presence in organizational work improves commitment to the mission across the board. Unlike our longer-lived counterparts, youth haven't been jaded by a lifetime of pettiness and workplace politics. Harness that idealism before we get old—where else will you find volunteers who aim high, constantly try new things, and believe that anything is possible?
3. We aren't expensive
Youth, particularly those of us under 25, volunteer at a higher rate than any other age group. Given the recession, students and graduates have found steady work very difficult to come by, and many young people are turning to volunteer positions and internships to develop skills, clarify our interests, and work toward a causes we believe in. Take those economic lemons and make lemonade—for the both of us. Invest time and energy into providing youth meaningful, tangible opportunities to contribute, and you will find the benefits more than repay the cost.
4. We are socially connected
As people get older, their social circles tend to shrink and stabilize. Youth have hundreds of friends with whom we spend our time, network, and socialize, and we're constantly peer-pressuring each other into one activity or another. When you reach out to one young person, you can be sure that we'll talk about you to plenty more. Your word-of-mouth marketing campaign just became easier, and your youth engagement strategy will likely take on a bit of momentum of its own.
5. We're looking for commitments
Youth have different obligations from older people: we're less likely to have children, long-term relationships, or mortgages of our own to worry about. This leaves us with time demands offbeat from those of many adult workers, allowing us to attend placements on different schedules. Though this definitely does not mean we have nothing to do, it does mean that you have a chance to make your organization a real priority in our lives, and see just how much we have to offer.
6. We are innovative
New challenges demand new thinking, and youth are likely some of the newest thinkers you can find. Sometimes our unfamiliarity with 'the ways things are done' can enable us to see new paths that years of experience tend to ignore. Remember that Google was created by a pair of 25-year-olds, not by seasoned executives.
7. We can stick around longer
Young people are still searching for our niches, forming habits and opinions, and settling into careers. Talented young people who form a sustained, positive attachment to your organization early on are much more likely to stay on board with you in the future. Young volunteers who get a lot out of their experiences with organizations can give back over the course of their lives, whether as supporters, donors, or even your next ED.
8. We have as much to teach as to learn
As any good teacher will tell you, the learning process is symbiotic and not a one-way street. When you include youth in the decision-making process, we bring a new perspective to the table, access whole new bodies of knowledge, and have plenty we'd like to let you know—and not just about your computer. Try asking us about strategy, vision, planning, and mission, and take the time to listen. You'll be glad you did.
9. We make great PR
With 44% of Canada’s population under the age of 35, involving youth in a non-tokenistic manner is a great way to make manifest for the public the accessibility and accountability of your organization. In the same way, genuine, capacity-developing youth involvement will make your organization much more popular with funding sources, private and public—many grants and subsidies are earmarked precisely to help make it easier for you to hire us.
10. We will act with or without you
Many brilliant youth, frustrated by being ignored or siloed by the old guard, are starting their own initiatives, forming a burgeoning 'youth-led' sector. Our determination to make change on our own is not a bad thing, but it does point to some serious dropping of the ball on the part of the current nonprofit community. Consider supporting these initiatives by providing platforms for youth-led organizing as intermediary organizations. Remember: the choice is ours, but the opportunity can be yours.
Now that you know a bit more about what youth can bring to you, we encourage you to consider reaching youth through technology. You should also start thinking ahead about how you'll make space for us once you do, and how you plan to engage us in the long term. Also, click here to learn more about Apathy is Boring's workshops, consultations, and other Youth-Friendly services.
Passing the torch from one generation to the next has always been a looming inevitability. But the yawning leadership gap opening up as more and more Baby Boomers eye retirement presents nonprofits with a more pressing challenge than ever. You can either share knowledge and leadership skills now, helping us pave the road we wish to travel, or you can leave your organization to the history books. It's up to you, but we'll probably do a better job.
2. We are passionate
Surveys show that cynicism increases with age, and that youth presence in organizational work improves commitment to the mission across the board. Unlike our longer-lived counterparts, youth haven't been jaded by a lifetime of pettiness and workplace politics. Harness that idealism before we get old—where else will you find volunteers who aim high, constantly try new things, and believe that anything is possible?
3. We aren't expensive
Youth, particularly those of us under 25, volunteer at a higher rate than any other age group. Given the recession, students and graduates have found steady work very difficult to come by, and many young people are turning to volunteer positions and internships to develop skills, clarify our interests, and work toward a causes we believe in. Take those economic lemons and make lemonade—for the both of us. Invest time and energy into providing youth meaningful, tangible opportunities to contribute, and you will find the benefits more than repay the cost.
4. We are socially connected
As people get older, their social circles tend to shrink and stabilize. Youth have hundreds of friends with whom we spend our time, network, and socialize, and we're constantly peer-pressuring each other into one activity or another. When you reach out to one young person, you can be sure that we'll talk about you to plenty more. Your word-of-mouth marketing campaign just became easier, and your youth engagement strategy will likely take on a bit of momentum of its own.
5. We're looking for commitments
Youth have different obligations from older people: we're less likely to have children, long-term relationships, or mortgages of our own to worry about. This leaves us with time demands offbeat from those of many adult workers, allowing us to attend placements on different schedules. Though this definitely does not mean we have nothing to do, it does mean that you have a chance to make your organization a real priority in our lives, and see just how much we have to offer.
6. We are innovative
New challenges demand new thinking, and youth are likely some of the newest thinkers you can find. Sometimes our unfamiliarity with 'the ways things are done' can enable us to see new paths that years of experience tend to ignore. Remember that Google was created by a pair of 25-year-olds, not by seasoned executives.
7. We can stick around longer
Young people are still searching for our niches, forming habits and opinions, and settling into careers. Talented young people who form a sustained, positive attachment to your organization early on are much more likely to stay on board with you in the future. Young volunteers who get a lot out of their experiences with organizations can give back over the course of their lives, whether as supporters, donors, or even your next ED.
8. We have as much to teach as to learn
As any good teacher will tell you, the learning process is symbiotic and not a one-way street. When you include youth in the decision-making process, we bring a new perspective to the table, access whole new bodies of knowledge, and have plenty we'd like to let you know—and not just about your computer. Try asking us about strategy, vision, planning, and mission, and take the time to listen. You'll be glad you did.
9. We make great PR
With 44% of Canada’s population under the age of 35, involving youth in a non-tokenistic manner is a great way to make manifest for the public the accessibility and accountability of your organization. In the same way, genuine, capacity-developing youth involvement will make your organization much more popular with funding sources, private and public—many grants and subsidies are earmarked precisely to help make it easier for you to hire us.
10. We will act with or without you
Many brilliant youth, frustrated by being ignored or siloed by the old guard, are starting their own initiatives, forming a burgeoning 'youth-led' sector. Our determination to make change on our own is not a bad thing, but it does point to some serious dropping of the ball on the part of the current nonprofit community. Consider supporting these initiatives by providing platforms for youth-led organizing as intermediary organizations. Remember: the choice is ours, but the opportunity can be yours.
Now that you know a bit more about what youth can bring to you, we encourage you to consider reaching youth through technology. You should also start thinking ahead about how you'll make space for us once you do, and how you plan to engage us in the long term. Also, click here to learn more about Apathy is Boring's workshops, consultations, and other Youth-Friendly services.
References:
“2006 Census: Portrait of the Canadian Population in 2006, by Age and Sex: National Portrait.” Statistics Canada, 2006. Accessed 14 July, 2011. http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2006/as-sa/97-551/p8-eng.cfm.
“Canadian Education Market.” Recruit in Canada, 2010. Accessed June 29, 2011. http://www.recruitincanada.com/the_canadian_education_market.html.
Dougherty, Ilona, ed. The Youth-Friendly Guide To Intergenerational Decision Making Partnerships. Montréal, QC: Apathy is Boring, 2004. Accessed May 27, 2011.http://www.apathyisboring.org/media/pdfs/yfg.pdf.
Hientz, Melanie, Ella Murpy-Zommerschoe, Paula Speevak Sladowski, et al. Bridging the Gap: Enriching the Volunteer Experience to Build a Better Future for our Communities - Findings of a Pan-Canadian Research Study. Volunteer Canada, 2010. Accessed May 26, 2011. http://www.volunteer.ca/files/Bridging_the_Gap_English.PDF.
Ilkiw, Violetta. “Emergence of the Youth-led Sector.” The Philanthropist 23, no. 1 (2010): 36-43. Accessed June 20, 2011. http://www.thephilanthropist.ca/index.php/phil/article/viewArticle/810.
Isakson, Trina. Telephone interview. July 14, 2011.
Kang, Chris, Julian Caspari, Helena Shimeles, et al. Ground Floors: Building Youth Organizing Platforms. Toronto, ON: Laidlaw Foundation, Tides Canada, and Schools without Borders, 2011. Accessed May 27, 2011. http://www.laidlawfdn.org/sites/default/files/GroundFloors_BuildingYouthOrganizingPlatforms_v2.pdf.
Sériès, Marine. Cap sur les jeunes bénévoles: Tracez votre chemin. Montréal, QC: Le Réseau de lʼaction bénévole du Québec, 2011. Accessed June 21, 2011. http://www.rabq.ca/app/DocRepository/2/Publications/Cap_jeunes_benevoles.pdf.
Zeldin, Shepherd, Dimitri Topitzes, and Matt Calvert. Youth in Decision-Making: a Study on the Impacts of Youth on Adults and Organizations. Chevy Chase, MD: Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development, 2000. Accessed May 27, 2011. http://www.cpn.org/topics/youth/cyd/pdfs/Youth_in_Decision_Making.pdf.
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